AFRICA
4 HOURS AGO
Causalities feared as massive blast rocks Somali capital Mogadishu
Explosion occurred while residents were swimming on Liido beach, causing deaths and injuries, says PM Hassan Ali Khaire, without giving more details on casualties, or who was behind it.

Swift action by security forces neutralised the attackers, local media say.
OTHERS
Swift action by security forces neutralised the attackers, local media say.

A huge explosion has rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu with police fearing casualties and reporting gunfire shots shortly after the blast.

The explosion occurred on Mogadishu’s popular Lido beach on Friday, followed by gunfire.

Police official Ahmed Abdi told Anadolu Agency over the phone that officers from law enforcement and various security agencies rushed to the beach, which also houses several hotels.

The attack took place there, and the main road leading to the blast site has been sealed, he added.

OTHERS
The attack site is frequented by civilians, security officials, and businesspeople.

“We don’t know the exact cause of the explosion, but it appears to be a suicide attack,” Abdi said, adding, “We also don’t know how many people were killed or injured.”

However, the sound of the explosion and gunfire near the beech suggests that there are casualties, he said.

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire posted on X: “I send my deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who were martyred in these explosions.”

“The fact that the terrorist attack coincides with this night when the beach is the most congested shows the hostility of the terrorists to the Somali people.”

Al-Shabab claim attack

“Swift action by security forces neutralised the attackers, while medical teams are attending to the victims on the scene,” Somali National News Agency reported.

Somali National Television gave the same information, including providing no further details about casualties.

The attack site is frequented by civilians, security officials, and businesspeople.

The al-Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in the Horn of Africa country.

The Lido beach area — home to upmarket hotels and eateries — popular with business people and government officials, and has been the scene of previous attacks.

Several local media reports reported a blast caused by a suicide bomber followed by gunfire leaving multiple casualties, but the information could not be verified.

Al-Shabab group has carried out numerous bombings and attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of the country.

SOURCE: TRTWORLD AND AGENCIES